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Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty has dismissed Russian criticism of recent Canadian-Ukrainian defense cooperation agreements, reaffirming Ottawa’s commitment to supporting Ukraine alongside its NATO allies. This was reported by a Ukrinform correspondent.
Commenting on a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry condemning plans to manufacture drones for Ukraine, McGuinty said Canada remains firmly committed to assisting Kyiv and is not intimidated by Moscow’s warnings.
“We stand firmly with our Ukrainian partners and will continue to do so together with our NATO allies. We are strengthening the Alliance and remaining united,” McGuinty said.
According to the minister, Russia’s reaction was expected because Moscow opposes the solidarity demonstrated by NATO members in supporting Ukraine.
“We anticipated criticism from Russia. It does not welcome NATO countries working together to help a nation that is defending itself,” he noted.
McGuinty also dismissed Russian threats of an “adequate response,” stressing that such statements would not alter Canada’s policy.
“I am not concerned by these threats,” he said.
The defense minister emphasized that Canadian military and security institutions are closely monitoring developments and regularly assessing the security situation.
“Our armed forces continue to follow events closely and provide ongoing assessments. We will maintain our steadfast support for Ukraine,” McGuinty stated.
He further assured that Russia’s criticism would have no impact on a bilateral agreement reached with Ukraine last month to launch the production of drones in Canada for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to deepen defense-industrial cooperation between the two countries and expand Ukraine’s access to modern unmanned technologies.
McGuinty stressed that the project would move forward as planned and that Canada would continue working with Ukraine while monitoring developments related to Russian threats.
The comments follow the announcement in late May of a new joint program aimed at manufacturing Ukrainian-designed unmanned aerial systems in Canada to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities and strengthen cooperation between the two countries’ defense industries.
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